Gujarat announces major cabinet reshuffle with 26 ministers
The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, unveiled a reshaped cabinet on Friday, appointing 26 ministers as part of what officials described as a strategic reset. The move follows the resignation of the entire cabinet, with only the chief minister remaining in place, a prelude to a refreshed leadership lineup ahead of local body polls and the 2027 state assembly elections.
Among the new faces is Rivaba Jadeja, wife of acclaimed cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, who joins the cabinet along with a mix of veteran lawmakers and first-time ministers. The roster includes Swaroopji Thakor, Pravenkumar Mali, Rushikesh Patel, Darshna Waghela, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Arjun Modhwadia, Parshottam Solanki, Jitendra Waghani, Praful Pansheriya, Harsh Sanghvi, and Kanubhai Desai. Political observers say the appointments reflect a deliberate attempt to balance regional, caste, and organizational considerations as the party gears up for upcoming electoral battles.
A senior BJP leader indicated that top party negotiators asked ministers to tender their resignations by Thursday afternoon. This gave the chief minister and party leadership “a free hand” to implement a broader “strategic reset” ahead of key elections, according to insiders cited by HT. The preparation is seen as crucial to presenting a united, energized front to voters and local body representatives across the state.
The outgoing cabinet, prior to the shake-up, comprised eight cabinet-rank ministers, two ministers of state with independent charge, and six other ministers of state. Analysts note that the new lineup aims to inject fresh energy into governance, streamline portfolios, and potentially reorganize administrative priorities to better align with the BJP’s statewide campaign strategy.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met with Governor Acharya Devvrat on Thursday evening to submit the list of new ministers, signaling government-wide intent to move quickly on the changes. The swearing-in ceremony was anticipated to take place around noon on Friday, with a formal oath for the 26 ministers. The ceremony’s timing and scale underlined the party’s desire to present a robust and cohesive leadership front as voters prepare for upcoming local elections and the 2027 assembly polls.
Invitations to the oath ceremony were extended to all BJP MLAs across Gujarat, reflecting the party’s emphasis on unity and synchronized messaging. Political watchers will be keenly watching how the new ministers take charge of their portfolios, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, industry, urban development, and social welfare that directly impact everyday life for Gujarat’s diverse population.
Rivaba Jadeja’s inclusion in the cabinet has drawn substantial attention, seen by supporters as a signal of the party’s intent to broaden its candidate pool and maintain high visibility in constituencies where women voters’ voices are increasingly pivotal. The party has long stressed its commitment to governance that resonates with a wide demographic, and the new cabinet composition is expected to reflect that pledge in the coming months.
As Gujarat embarks on this period of transition, observers anticipate a sharper focus on developmental initiatives, efficiency in administration, and clearer communication with citizens. The reshuffle could serve as a test of the ruling party’s organizational discipline and its ability to translate leadership changes into tangible policy outcomes ahead of the crucial local elections.
What this means for Gujarat politics
- The reshuffle signals strategic intent ahead of local body polls and the 2027 assembly elections.
- New ministers bring a mix of experience and fresh perspectives to governance.
- Rivaba Jadeja’s inclusion highlights the party’s emphasis on broadening its outreach and gender representation.
- Political observers will assess how the new lineup handles portfolios and public accountability in the months to come.
